Popular Royal Caribbean cruise excursions impacted by new laws

Popular Royal Caribbean cruise excursions impacted by new legal guidelines

Popular Royal Caribbean cruise excursions impacted by new legal guidelines initially appeared on TravelHost.

For many households taking a cruise trip, particularly those cruising to The Bahamas and Caribbean with teenagers, taking part in water sports activities is an thrilling option to spend a port day in paradise.

Many water sports activities include inherent security dangers, however. It’s important for vacationers to concentrate on the risks and take correct precautions to make sure the most secure expertise potential when taking part in these in style cruise port actions.

Related: Royal Caribbean enforces drink bundle rule

Some cruise ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean have a repute for poorly regulated water sports activities rental industries, and an increase in current jet ski and boating accidents in The Bahamas has led to rising considerations about the protection of water sports activities excursions.

Earlier this 12 months, the U.S. State Department issued new warnings about the dangers related to jet ski and boating actions in The Bahamas within the wake of deadly jet ski accidents and other incidents involving guests.

In one in all those accidents, a Holland America Line cruise passenger tragically died after dropping management of a jet ski and crashing right into a rock on the cruise line’s non-public island in The Bahamas, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

In response to current jet ski accidents and security considerations, the Bahamian authorities stepped up its oversight of jet ski operations and just lately launched new legal guidelines and penalties geared toward deterring unsafe and unregulated watercraft actions.

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Crackdown on jet ski leases brings new guidelines for cruise excursions

As the Parliament of The Bahamas overhauled its maritime rules this summer time, it started implementing new fines and penalties to crack down on industrial jet ski and boat operators who breach legal guidelines governing their operations.

Passengers booked on jet ski excursions at Royal Caribbean’s non-public island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, have reported receiving emails from the cruise line about a new rule associated to the industrial watercraft crackdown.

“Due to a recent change in local government regulations in The Bahamas, the minimum age required to operate a Wave Jet is now 18 years old,” the cruise line informed passengers who booked a reservation for a 16 or 17-year-old.

Related: Royal Caribbean makes in style cruise ship pool adults only

Previously, the minimal age to drive a jet ski during an tour at CocoCay was 16 years previous, however a driver’s license was required and oldsters needed to signal a waiver for any driver under 18 years previous. Now, it seems that to make sure compliance with Bahamian rules, 16 and 17-year-olds are only permitted to take part in a jet ski tour as riders, not drivers, no matter whether or not they have a driver’s license and waiver.

In addition to impacting Royal Caribbean excursions at CocoCay, the new rules will seemingly stop teenagers from driving jet skis in The Bahamas during excursions with any cruise line or non-public tour operator.

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Cruise passengers ought to stay cautious about jet ski leases

No matter what cruise port you’re visiting, it’s always a good suggestion to only guide jet ski excursions and other actions via your cruise line, since those tour operators have been vetted by the cruise line. Keep in thoughts, however, that jet ski use always comes with dangers.

If you’re contemplating renting jet skis while visiting The Bahamas on a cruise (or any sort of journey), you must ensure that to only hire jet skis from respected operators who supply gear that is in good situation. Make positive the tour operator offers you with enough coaching so you’re feeling comfy before setting off in your tour.

Related: Royal Caribbean drops in style port from more cruises

Here’s what the U.S. State Department advises about jet skis and boating in The Bahamas in its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory for the islands:

(The Arena Group will earn a fee in the event you guide a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or e mail Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or name or textual content her at 386-383-2472.

This story was initially reported by TravelHost on Aug 5, 2025, the place it first appeared.

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